Racing Post victor eyes Derby

Trainer Mick Halford claimed his first Group One success and Godolphin lines up Casamento for Epsom after he signs off in style

A beaming Halford preferred to bask in the success of the victory (Alan Crowhurst)
Casamento handed Mick Halford a precious parting gift by claiming the Racing
Post Trophy at Doncaster.

It was the trainer’s first Group One success and came from a horse who will
now join the main Godolphin operation and be trained for the 2011 Epsom
Derby.

There appears little doubt from all concerned that the Flat showpiece next
year will be Casamento’s main target. Three of the last nine winners of the
final Group One of the season have gone on to Epsom glory. Frankie Dettori,
the jockey yesterday, was quick to describe him as a Derby horse, and
bookmaker Paddy Power cut Casamento from 14-1 to 10-1 for delight at the
Downs.

Next year’s 2000 Guineas is also a possibility, according to owner Sheikh
Mohammed’s representative, John Ferguson, although the machine-like
qualities of Frankel, the even-money favourite after an almost comfortable
demolition of the Dewhurst field last week, may be